RYA Para Sailing Hub to increase racing opportunities in the UK

Sailability blind sailing © RYA Sailability

At the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show (26-27 February) the RYA is launching a brand-new support network for the racing community aimed at increasing racing opportunities for disabled people in the UK and supporting sailing's reinstatement in the Games.

Para sailing is one of the most inclusive sports globally, offering disabled sailors a level playing field on the water. Packed with resources, training opportunities and advice, the hub will offer sailors, volunteers, coaches and supporters a place to come together as a community and grow the opportunities available.

RYA Sailability Manager Joff McGill explains: "We've created the RYA Para Sailing Hub so the sailing community can join forces and commit to increasing opportunities for para sailors at local, national, and international level. It will bring together sailors of all ages and experiences with learning and support, making it possible to get to the start line, wherever they want to race."

Sailing was featured in the Paralympic Games for 16 years between Sydney 2000 and Rio 2016 but was dropped from the programme in 2015. The RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show provides an opportunity for clubs and classes to unite and demonstrate their united support for World Sailing's #BackTheBid campaign #SailtoLA.

Lucy Hodges, six-time Blind Sailing World Champion will be at the show and has pledged her support. "Sailing is a sport I have been able to participate in at all levels, the adaptions and communication from my sighted support have seen me gain six World titles. I am now keen to help grow and enable sailing to be part of the Paralympics again, having a hub to allow information to be shared and enable participation to grow is a great step forward."

Pledge your support

Visitors to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show have the chance to pledge their support for sailing to be reinstated in the Games by adding their messages alongside some of the most accomplished sailors in the world, on the Sailability pledge wall.

Drop by stand A40 to speak to the team about opportunities for disabled people to get afloat and for more information and how you can get involved in the Para Sailing Hub.

The Para Sailing hub is championed by the RYA Sailability and builds upon the success of the #MoreThanSailing campaign, which launched in 2018 and aimed to break down perceived barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for disabled people to get on the water.

Find more information about the RYA Para Sailing Hub here.

The RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show presented by Suzuki has everything you need to get on the water with hands-on dinghy and watersports displays, all the latest kit and gear, workshops and coaching sessions and interactive fun for the whole family.

Get your tickets and take advantage of exclusive RYA member and group ticket offers. Kids go FREE.